Letter to the editor: Immigrants exploited in U.S.

The letter “DeSantis would be better than Biden” (March 28, TribLIVE) notes that “Over the last two years, our (shining city on a hill) has been tarnished” by illegal immigration.

Both political parties use immigration as a political football. Neither one wants to solve the issue. They would rather have a political issue in their campaigns. Who benefits from illegal immigration? Corporations who exploit immigrant workers, threatening them with deportation if they complain about working conditions. It keeps wages and benefits down. New immigrants (both legal and illegal) probably don’t know about the standard 40-hour workweek. Anything over 40 hours within a pay period is time and a half.

When I meet new immigrants, I try to make them feel comfortable. I tell them every immigrant who came here was unwelcome by most Americans, and to buckle up for a bumpy ride, but eventually things will get better. Meanwhile, stay with your group. There’s strength in numbers and familiarity in your surroundings. At work, I try to educate them on the 40-hour work week and overtime.

Simon C. Solar

New Kensington